Actions

Filters essential in making Flint water safe to drink

This week marks one year since the State of Michigan took action regarding Flint's water crisis.

Governor Snyder talked about progress made Wednesday saying there is much more work to be done in the city.

"This has been a huge challenge for the families of Flint, our hearts truly go out," said Snyder. "I would say while we've seen significant progress, our work is going to be ongoing and will be long term."

A total of $234 million in state aide has been spent in Flint so far.

The money has allowed for numerous actions including replacing 114 pipes in the city, expanding healthcare, and operating nine community distribution centers where residents have access to free water filters and bottled water.

Even with filters there is still a long term problem.

"One of the national lessons we've learned from Flint is that in all likelihood as long as those lead pipes are in the ground water from that pipe cannot be guaranteed to be safe without some sort of filter," said Marc Edwards, a professor at Virginia Tech who helped uncover the Flint water crisis.

That's why the city is working to replace all lead water lines.

“There is a strong belief developing that no matter how good corrosion control is we will never again be able to say that water from a lead pipe is safe,” said Edwards.

Replacing pipes is a long and expensive process. The money now on it’s way from Washington will be a huge help.

“Its resources we can really use,” said Snyder. I think its important resources in terms of having an ability to do better with the water infrastructure of the city.”

Today flint's mayor Karen Weaver released a statement saying she's encouraged congress made a deal that will get federal aid to the city.